RSPCA EXPULSION OF SUZANNE CASS

Pat Gillespie, a retired journalist sat on the Queensland Board of the RSPCA and won a number of awards including Honorary Life Membership for her work in animal welfare.

She is a former Tasmanian Board member and RSPCA whistleblower.

Ms Gillespie was kicked out of the Tasmanian RSPCA after going public last year over her concerns regarding the Society’s spending.

She objected to what she saw as too many administrative staff and enforced confidentiality of Board members.
“I’m disappointed that the new regime of the RSPCA has is going down the same path and is re-acting to Ms Cass’s concerns by using the high-handed approach of kicking her out,” she said.

“Sadly it seems to have to deteriorated to the level of personal vitriol.

“But it has to be remembered that only three Board members remain of the new Board appointed after the AGM in September.

“I’m not a malcontent but I am concerned about the direction the Society is now taking and hoped it would be different.

“The new Board reinstated my membership but will I now be kicked out again for speaking out?

“I have spoken to Mr Linke but he has not allayed my concerns about the new number of the society’s administrative-style vacancies and the newly introduced confidentiality.

“Mr Linke told me staff could earn big dollars for the Society without “petting a dog” so I think the Society needs to rethink its core values and strategies.

“It is a charity for animals, not humans
.
“And Tasmanian values and needs regarding the RSPCA is much different from the ACT from where Mr Linke comes.”
Pat Gillespie